St. Patrick's Day Muffins

I found this recipe in a magazine around Halloween and was reminded of the bright green color as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  I made them back in October but didn't get a chance to post them so here they make their debut!

Not only do they match the color of the holiday, but I consider them healthy using a banana for some sweetness and half whole wheat instead of all white flour.  Can you guess where the green color comes from?

Nope, it's not food coloring or anything artificial...

It's SPINACH!

Don't tell your kids and they'll never know! ;)

Here is how to make them:

St. Patrick's Day Muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 cup canola oil

3/4 cup milk

6 oz (6 cups packed) fresh baby spinach

1 large banana

2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees and coat 16 muffin cups with cooking spray.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  In a blender, puree the oil, milk, and spinach until smooth, then blend in banana and vanilla.  Fold the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients.  Fill each prepared muffin cup 2/3 full.  Bake muffins until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 15-18 minutes.

May the Lord bless you

and keep you;

May He make His face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

May the Lord turn His face toward you

and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

The holidays are upon us and I could not be more excited!  I LOVE this time of year.  Fall going into winter is by far my favorite of all the seasons.  It's filled with family and friends, festive gatherings, bright decorations, comforting food, and warm coffee!  Where there is warm coffee, there are tasty treats like this Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti.  Cozy up and enjoy!

Recipe can be found here.

The first time I made these was for our annual get-together with my high-school girlfriends around Christmas time.  All 8 of us are still close but as our families grow, it's harder and harder to get everyone together in one place.  We are also spread across 5 states!  So whenever I make these, it takes me back to one of those special times when we were all reunited.  Miss you girls!